Not being able to work in the jobs they qualified for in their native countries is a common issue many immigrants face in Canada.
Only one-quarter of internationally trained immigrants in regulated professions are working in jobs that match their level of qualification in Ontario.
CityNews has learned the Ford government is planning to introduce legislation to help alleviate this issue.
Labour Minister Monte McNaughton will table a bill that will remove barriers immigrants face, such as the requirement for Canadian work experience, when attempting to get licensed in regulated professions and trades such as law, accounting, architecture, engineering, electrical and plumbing.
“These are folks who have the training, experience, and qualifications to work in booming industries where Ontario desperately needs help, but are being denied a chance to contribute,” McNaughton said. “If these changes are approved and passed, Ontario would become the first province in Canada to level the playing field so that any person coming here has the opportunity to build a better life.”
The new legislation would eliminate Canadian work experience requirements for professional registration and licensing, unless an exemption is granted based on demonstrated public health or safety risk.
The government says it would also reduce duplication of language proficiency testing, so people do not have to complete multiple tests for purposes of immigration and professional licensing, and allow applicants to register faster in their professions when there are emergencies such as a pandemic. The bill would also see that the licensing process is completed in a timely manner so internationally-trained immigrants can start working in careers that match their skillset sooner rather than later.
The changes do not apply to the medical field, minister McNaughton says
“We are working with the Ministry of Health right now to push this forward and hopefully in the time ahead we’ll have more to say,” he said.
The government hopes to have the legislation passed before the end of the year, however it will take between 20 and 24 months to implement the changes.
The sectors that would ultimately be impacted by the legislation will be determined in regulation, however some are listed below:
Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario
Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario
Association of Ontario Land Surveyors
Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
College of Early Childhood Educators
College of Veterinarians of Ontario
Law Society of Ontario
Ontario Association of Architects
Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers
Ontario College of Teachers
Ontario Professional Foresters Association
Human Resources Professionals Association
Ontario College of Trades, which covers:
Electricians – Domestic and Rural
Hoisting Engineers – Mobile Crane Operator 1
Hoisting Engineers – Mobile Crane Operator 2
Hoisting Engineers – Tower Crane Operator
Plumbers
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanics
As Canadians begin packing their bags following the easing of international travel restrictions, some looking to urgently renew their passports may have to wait a little longer.
A network outage at some Service Canada Centres is preventing a few locations across the country from providing urgent, express and pick-up services.
In an email to CityNews, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada confirms the outage began last Friday, but could not provide a timeline of when the issue is expected to be resolved.
“Every effort is being made to resolve the issue in a timely manner,” says communication officer, Jeffery MacDonald, “We apologize for any impacts to our clients”.
According to MacDonald, regular passport services are not directly impacted. But you’re advised to check the government of Canada’s website for a list of locations that continue to offer urgent and express services.
“The Government of Canada understands that Canadians continue to require passports for urgent travel. We are committed to providing service for clients with pressing needs for travel documents.”
While walk-in services are available, it’s recommend you book an in-person appointment rather than walking in to avoid long wait times.
The new-look team will take on the Washington Wizards in their first regular season game at home since February 2020
It’s been 600 days since the team has played a meaningful game at Scotiabank Arena
Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment revealed updated pandemic protocols last week for both Leafs and Raptors games
A very different Raptors team returns to Toronto after more than a year-and-a-half of pandemic exile.
The new-look team will take on the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night in their first regular season game at home since February 28, 2020.
It’s been 20 months, or 600 days, since the team has played a meaningful game at Scotiabank Arena.
Raptors In-Game Host Mariah Amber tells CityNews that Wednesday night’s season opener is going to be special and emotional for fans.
“To see everybody back in this arena, everybody’s going to feel it, everybody’s going to air high five,” says Amber. “I’m just excited to see us unite again, to see the entire city unite through sports.”
After a run of five-straight 50 win seasons — that culminated in the 2019 NBA championship — the Raptors pandemic season away from home went off the rails. The team dealt with a COVID-19 outbreak while playing home games in Tampa, Fla., last year, on their way to their first losing season in seven years.
Now the team hopes to regain their winning touch in what many pundits are predicting will be a transition year. Most Vegas prognosticators estimate the team will win somewhere in the neighbourhood of 36 games, which would leave them well short of a playoff spot in most seasons.
“We have a winning culture we believe,” says Raptors President Masai Ujiri. “But we are a young team, and young teams in the NBA sometimes struggle, sometimes go through hard times.”
With Kyle Lowry now playing in Miami, Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunoby and Chris Boucher are the only holdovers from the 2019 championship roster, they are also the only four players on the roster who have played a meaningful home game in Toronto.
Siakam will start the season on the shelf with an injury, expected to return in approximately a month after an off-season shoulder surgery.
Guard Malachi Flynn hopes to make a leap and carve out a larger role in his second season with the team. The Raptors selectedrookie Scottie Barnes with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft — a somewhat controversial choice at the time.
“You just know it’s just going to be crazy because the fans,” says Barnes. “They just can’t wait to get back in the arena and see the Raptors playing right in front of their faces.”
Goran Dragic arrived as part of the sign-and-trade that saw Lowry moved to the Miami Heat. The veteran guard was interviewed in his native Slovenia shortly after the move and asked about the prospect of playing for Canada’s only NBA franchise.
“I have higher ambitions, we’ll see,” says Dragic.
Nevertheless, he has said all the right things since then and appears ready to embrace his role as a veteran leader on a team with its share of youth.
The addition of Dragic, along with offseason pickups of Ukrainian Svi Mikhailiuk, German Isaac Bonga and Nigerian Precious Achiuwa, make the Raptors the most diverse team in the league.
Japan, Cameroon, St. Lucia, Great Britain and Uganda are also represented on the current roster.
Dalano Banton made history when the raptors took him in the second round of the NBA draft this summer. The Rexdale native became the first Canadian, and Torontonian, drafted by the team. Banton joins, Khem Birch and Boucher as the third Canadian on the roster.
Any fans over the age of 12 will have to show full proof of vaccination to get into the arena as per provincial rules. The security screening at the arena will now be contactless and fans are being urged to allow extra time for the screening when entering the arena.
Masks will be required inside the arena unless individuals are actively eating or drinking. MLSE says strict enforcement will be in place ensuring people follow the masking rules.
Unlike previous Raptors season openers at home, there will be no pre-game party outside of the arena at ‘Jurassic Park’ due to COVID-19.
Finding a place to use the washroom has been a problem for the more than 200,000 delivery drivers that ply along Ontario roads.
Now the Ford government is planning to introduce legislation that will make it the law for delivery workers to have access to washrooms at businesses where they are delivering or picking up items. It will be a first of its kind law anywhere in North America.
Labour minister Monte McNaughton is bringing forward the new legislation. He tells CityNews he started sounding the alarm bell on this matter when the pandemic hit.
“I talked to many transport drivers that would go to a warehouse or a factory to drop off an order and there would be a sign on the door saying ‘go back to the woods to use the washroom.’ Truly unacceptable, it is an injustice and these heroes deserve more” McNaughton said.
If passed, the new law would require businesses to allow delivery workers access to their washrooms so long as they are picking up or dropping off an item. This would cover truck drivers, couriers, food delivery workers and Canada Post delivery employees. It would not apply to washrooms in private residences.
Businesses who don’t comply could be fined, with the fines enforced through the Ministry of Labour.
Asked for details on how businesses could accommodate drivers in their washrooms should they, for example, have sensitive information in the office, minister McNaughton said they will have to find a way.
“They’re going to have to figure it out. These are key people in our economy that are delivering goods and it’s important,” he said.
He says food delivery workers have raised this issue as a health and safety concern, which the government felt the need to act on.
McNaughton says the move is part of the government’s broader efforts to protect vulnerable workers. On Monday, the government announced the intent to introduce legislation that, if passed, would require temporary help agencies and recruiters to have a licence to operate in the province.
The proposed new washroom mandate is getting the thumbs up from some delivery industry associations.
“The Minister saw a problem and implemented a solution that will no doubt serve as a model for other jurisdictions across North America,” said Stephen Laskowski, President and CEO, Ontario Trucking Association.
The palace didn’t offer specifics on the decision, but says the 95-year-old monarch is “in good spirits”
The Queen is resting at Windsor Castle, where she has stayed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year
The decision comes days after she was seen using a walking stick at a public event
Queen Elizabeth II has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for a few days and has cancelled a trip to Northern Ireland, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday.
The palace didn’t offer specifics on the decision, but says the 95-year-old monarch is “in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements” on Wednesday and Thursday.
The palace added that she “sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland, and looks forward to visiting in the future.’’
The decision comes just days after the Queen was seen using a walking stick at a major public event when attending a Westminster Abbey service marking the centenary of the Royal British Legion, an armed forces charity.
She had previously been photographed using a cane in 2003, but that was after she underwent knee surgery.
An elderly man has died after being struck by two vehicles and getting trapped under one in East York on Tuesday night.
Emergency crews were called to the area of O’Connor Drive and Pape Avenue shortly after 9:30 p.m. for a collision.
Police say the 81-year-old man was initially struck by a vehicle, throwing him across the lane, resulting in him being struck by a second vehicle. The first vehicle fled the scene but the driver eventually contacted police when they arrived at home.
The man was trapped under the second vehicle and police say passersby tried to help, but were unable to get him out.
When paramedics arrived, the man was not breathing and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the second vehicle is also being assisted by paramedics. It is unclear if they were injured.
Police say speed and impairment are not considered factors and it remains unclear whether a fail to remain charge will be laid for the first driver.
Roads in the area were closed overnight but have since reopened.
It’s the super ingredient for skin—prebiotic oats! Aveeno teams up with two beauty experts, Liv Judd and Bahar Niramwalla, to show you how you can ease your skin into winter.
Watch the videos below!
Unlock the benefits of oat for your skin
Ease your skin into winter with Aveeno, available at Shoppers Drug Mart!
Skincare Masterclass Series with Aveeno
It’s the super ingredient for skin—prebiotic oats from Aveeno! Available at Shoppers Drug Mart.
SPONSORED: Content paid for & endorsed by Aveeno Canada.
Premier Doug Ford is facing backlash Monday for comments he made about immigrants in a press conference in Tecumseh, Ontario.
The comments came during an announcement that promised $9.8 million in funding for a new hospital in Windsor-Essex.
Speaking about a worker shortage in the trades, Ford said “we need people, we’re in such desperate need for people from around the world,” adding that the province is short “a couple 100,000 workers” and needs immigrants to fill the gap.
However, he had a warning for new immigrants that took many by surprise.
“I just have one criteria – you come here like every other new Canadian has come here, you work your tail off,” he said. “If you think you’re coming to collect the dole and sit around — not going to happen. Go somewhere else. You want to work, come here.” he said.
Ford added that he will be speaking to the Prime Minister about the labour shortage and said he will “aggressively” work with the federal government to “get more people to call Ontario home.”
When asked whether the province had any data to suggest immigrants are not hard working, a spokesperson for the premier said they did not have any such data and added that all new immigrants are welcome in Ontario.
Ford faces backlash for comments about immigrants
Comments on Twitter lambasted the premier, calling his comments xenophobic, racist and hateful.
Liberal leader Steven Del Duca called for an apology immediately.
“This kind of divisive language is deeply disappointing,” he said. “As a son of immigrants, I know first-hand how people like my parents helped to build Ontario. Doug Ford should apologize for his callous comments.”
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath also said in a tweet that Ford should apologize.
“Today, Doug Ford chose to traffic in demeaning stereotypes about new Ontarians looking to build a better life for their families,” she wrote. “Our diverse, welcoming province deserves better.”
With a file from Cynthia Mulligan and The Canadian Press
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has given an Etobicoke high school the all clear to reopen on Tuesday.
Students and teachers at Silverthorn Collegiate are returning to the classroom a week after their school became the first in Toronto to shut down during the 2021-22 academic year.
Students at the high school near Burnhamthorpe and Mill Road went back to remote learning on Oct. 12, following the Thanksgiving weekend, because of a COVID-19 outbreak at the school.
Returning students and staff will have to complete daily COVID-19 screening. TPH says rapid tests will also be available for everyone returning and are voluntary for anyone who has no symptoms.
If the rapid test is positive than the individuals must get a PCR test and self-isolate until the PCR test is negative. TPH says take-home PCR tests are available at the school.
According to the TPH website, four of the seven confirmed cases at the school have been resolved.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared in three more Toronto schools.
Two or more cases of the virus have been linked to Michael Power St. Joseph High School in Etobicoke, Africentric Alternative School in North York, and John McCrea Public School in Scarborough. All three schools remain open for now.
TPH says they are investigating all three and are working to notify any close contacts.
Greenholme Junior Middle School in Etobicoke remains closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the TPH website there are 12 active cases at the school among students and staff.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, there have been 1,255 confirmed infections among students and staff over the last two weeks. Just over 13 per cent of schools in the province have at least one confirmed case of COVID-19.
One in two parents told the pollster they plan to get their kids vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible.
This number jumps to 63 per cent in households where parents have a university education and dips to 46 per cent for those with a high school diploma or less.
OTTAWA – Pfizer has asked Health Canada to approve the first COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11 years old.
As soon as the regulator gives the green light, providers will be able to start offering the COVID-19 shot to kids, though new child-sized doses might need to be procured.
The doses are about one-third the size given to adults and teens age 12 and up.
The vaccine was developed in partnership with Germany’s BioNTech and is now marketed under the brand name Comirnaty. It was authorized for people at least 16 years old last December, and for kids between 12 and 15 in May.
Pfizer already submitted clinical trial data for its child-sized dose to Health Canada at the beginning of the month and made a formal request for approval to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has also been tested on children as young as six months old. Topline data for children under five years old is expected as soon as the end of the year.
The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, at least three weeks apart. A third dose may be administered at least four weeks after the second dose to individuals who are determined to have certain kinds of immunocompromise.
A single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine may be administered to individuals 65 years of age and older, 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19 and to those18 through 64 years of age whose “frequent institutional or occupational exposure to the virus” puts them at high risk of serious COVID-19 complications.
The news comes in midst of a recent survey from the Angus Reid Institute that suggests half of the parents with kids under the age of 11 are ready to vaccinate their little ones against COVID-19.
One in two parents told the pollster they plan to get their kids vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible.
This number jumps to 63 per cent in households where parents have a university education and dips a little to 46 per cent for those with a high school diploma or less.
